Before you go
Find out where you’re going. Take the time to read up on where you’re going. Find out what has to be seen or the best restaurant to eat at. Knowing a bit before hand can help you pack and plan.
Cash, credit and debit cards
It’s always a good idea bring a bit of cash with you for cabs, tips and smaller purchases. Credit cards are great way to go. You can cancel them if they get stolen but more importantly they’re the best back-up for emergencies. And no, finding the perfect pair of Manolo Blahnik’s doesn’t count as an emergency. A debit card is a good idea as well but not all places accept them and depending on where you’re going, finding a cash machine may prove to be difficult.
Travel Insurance
Don’t gamble with this one. Buy the travel insurance. It’s a relief knowing that should something happen you’ll be covered.
Home sitter
Whether it’s walking Fido, taking in the mail, watering the plants or making sure the basement isn’t a lake, it’s important to have someone come to your home every two to three days. You should call up your insurance company and ask how often they require someone to come in and check up on it. Each policy is different.
Passport
Leave a copy of your passport at home (note the word copy, not the actual passport). In case you lose it or it gets stolen you can have a copy faxed over. If you’re going over seas, you may want to put a copy of your passport in your suitcase. You can take the copy with you when you’re touring all the great sites and leave the original in the safe.
Storing your valuables
First, make sure you only bring what you really need. Put the important items in the safe. If the hotel doesn’t have one, find places to hide what you need to. Try not to walk around with everything you own.
Keep a journal
It’s nice to remember the great meals, the best store or the funniest waiter. You’ll probably remember the sites but it’s the smaller details that make it the place you’ll remember.
Take lots of photos
This is a hard one. If you’re going to a place known for tourists it’s no big deal taking out the camera and snapping a few shots. What’s hard is when you’re the only one with the camera. It’s like having a big bulls eye on the back that says ‘tourist’. But here’s the thing. If you don’t take the photo, you won’t have something to put in the album. So go ahead and take the shots. You’ll be very happy you did when you come home.
Have fun
Taking a trip is about exploring the new or visiting your favorite spot. Enjoy everything that’s around you and forget about what’s waiting for you when you get back. Take the time away to get rejuvenated.
Mail
Go through the mail… It’s Murphy’s Law that the bills come in when you’re away.
Memories
Develop your photos and write down the names of who you met, that great restaurant or the street where you found the perfect painting. You’ll be surprised how quickly you forget the details.
Maybe…
Start daydreaming about the next trip. Whether it’s next month or the next year, it’s great to think about where you’d like to go next.
And best of all Top Travel Place is open 24 hours – 7 days a week to help you! And Best Gift Haven carries a great selection of luggage items, meaning you can plan your trip and not spend time at the mall looking for luggage!
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